A source close to the situation told Pro Soccer Talk that if a move were to be completed that “Man City would prefer if the player moves in July” in order to “accommodate the club’s busy fixture list once 2018 hits.”

The three-time World Cup attendee would not require a Designated Player roster spot, according to a source, which has peaked NYCFC’s interest in the player.

Toure is under contract with the Cityzens until the end of June 2018, and by moving then it would allow NYCFC to acquire the Ivorian international on a free transfer.

Man City has already reached the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League, which will compound the club’s schedule in January and beyond as Pep Guardiola‘s side gears up for the second half of the PL season and other domestic competitions.

Toure will turn 35 in May, and has previously spent time with top sides across Europe, including Barcelona and Monaco prior to joining Man City.

NYCFC and Man City have worked together in the past as part of their CFG ties, with the latter loaning youth players to the MLS side during its inaugural season in 2015. Man City academy talents Angelino and Shay Facey each spent the entire 2015 campaign in the Bronx before returning to England at the season’s conclusion.

Additionally, NYCFC players have had the opportunity to train in Manchester during the offseason and manager Patrick Vieira has close ties with the Cityzens finishing his playing career with the English side and coaching the club’s Elite Development Squad (U-21 PL side).

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Predicting the Eastern Conference is as tricky as ever before, with tumult in several places (Chicago and Philadelphia), consistency in others (New York City, RBNY, Montreal, Columbus and Toronto), and some star departures in a third group (DC and New England).

The story: Finished 2015 dead last in the East; Three MLS Cup finals, most recently a loss in 2003.

In/Outs: Almost too many to list. This is going to be a wildly different Chicago team under new general manager Nelson Rodriguez and coach Veljko Paunović. Gone are Harry Shipp, Joevin Jones, Patrick Nyarko, Mike Magee, Lovel Palmer, Jeff Larentowicz. Here are plenty of new faces.

Head Coach: Gregg Berhalter. I’ll admit it; I was wrong. The experienced boss may’ve brushed a few folks the wrong way in his opening days, but that’s because he was doing it right, if a bit unorthodox. One of the best in the business.

Outlook: Fighting for the Supporters’ Shield.

***

DC United

The story so far:Won four titles in five MLS Cup appearances between 1996-2004; Finished fourth last season, losing to RBNY in the conference semis.

In/Outs: Queretaro is no weak opponent, but the choice to not pay Perry Kitchen what he wanted looked a bit foolish in the CONCACAF Champions League. Also gone is mainstay Chris Pontius, while Lamar Neagle, Patrick Nyarko and Marcelo Sarvas join the fray with plenty of MLS experience between them.

Head Coach: Ben Olsen. A smart manager who has his work cut out for him in keeping this team in the East’s playoff picture.

Outlook: Battling for the final slot in the East.

***

Montreal Impact

The story so far: Made massive strides once Didier Drogba arrived, moving up to third in the East while beating rivals Toronto FC in the first round of the playoffs. Two playoff appearances since moving to MLS in 2012.

In/Outs: Gone are Justin Mapp, Eric Miller and Nigel Reo-Coker, but I like the choice of Clemson back Kyle Fisher in the SuperDraft and adding Harry Shipp to the attacking rotation puts this offseason in high-five country.

Head Coach: Jay Heaps. The Kraft’s love loyalty, and Heaps has done it from the field to the coach’s seat. Still, the mainstay’s 54-53-29 record through four seasons could use a strong campaign.

Outlook: Battling for the final playoff spots.

***

New York City FC

The story so far: Struggled in first season of existence last year, firing coach/architect Jason Kreis.

In/Outs: Selected Wake Forest stud Jack Harrison in the draft, and brought in five defenders to help rebuild a weak unit. Gone are defenders Shay Facey, Angelino, Chris Wingert, Kwame Watson-Siriboe and Jeb Brovsky. Neb Grabavoy is gone, too, probably so we can more easily tell that it’s Tommy McNamara on the pitch.

Head Coach: Patrick Vieira. You may have heard of him. How will he do in his first kick at the head coaching can, in a league quite different than any he’s seen? We still think pretty well.

Outlook: A full year of their stars adjusting to the league should have NYC contending for a comfortable playoff berth.

***

New York Red Bulls

The story so far: Improbably won their second Supporters’ Shield in three seasons despite a wild roster and front office turnover. Lost only championship appearance in 2008.

In/Outs: Matt Miazga is off to Chelsea, while Roy Miller is gone as well. There’s a batch of new Homegrown Players — we’re interested in seeing more from Chris Thorsheim — but there’s still a lot to like at RBNY.

Final position: 7th
Points out of the playoffs: 5
Record: 12-14-8
Verdict: MLS is a learning process, and the Lions figured out the league a bit too late for this season’s postseason (See: Two different 9-plus game stretches with just one win). A five-match win streak toward the end of the season saw the club beat playoff sides Montreal, New York Red Bulls and Sporting KC. Kaka and Aurelien Collin both lived up to expectations.

The big question moving forward: Cyle Larin was a revelation as No. 1 overall pick, shattering rookie scoring records, but will the Canadian wonder want to try his hand abroad? Interest is there.

New York City FC

Final position: 8th
Points out of the playoffs: 12
Record: 10-17-7
Verdict: The club’s power trio of Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa acknowledge that a preseason together would’ve saved the club’s season, but that’s probably a bit too humble. Just having Lampard and Pirlo with Villa, who was there all season, would’ve done the trick. NYC started the season 1-7-5. Once June hit, they went 9-10-2. That’s not a big win, but protracted over a season it’s about 47 points.

And maybe that preseason pops it up a few points, or one of those early losses to Chicago or Philly flips into a win. An offseason’s adaptation for the big three and the underperforming Mix Diskerud, plus continued growth for Kwadwo Poku and some defensive additions could and should make this team a true contender (And what about a healthy, older Khiry Shelton?). That’s not even considering more Manchester City loan options like Angelino and Shay Facey. Disappointing season? Very much so, but the sky (blue) is not falling.

C.J. Sapong, Tranquillo Barnetta

Philadelphia Union

Final position: 9th
Points out of the playoffs: 12
Record: 10-17-7
Verdict: Doomed by a similar poor start to NYC’s, Philly went 1-7-3 to start the season. The club needs investment, and a difference maker. Look down the club’s advanced stats and you’ll see a group of steady players: Sapong, Nogueira, Maidana, Lahoud, Fabinho. Maurice Edu was down and Tranquillo Barnetta didn’t instantly adjust to the league. Andre Blake is a star in the making, but who is on the marquee?

The Union badly need an answer, maybe several. Enter Earnie Stewart, who will put the whole darn thing on its ear. Expect Philly to look much, much different in 2016.

Chicago Fire

Final position: 10th
Points out of the playoffs: 19
Record: 6-10-18
Verdict: One of only two teams who’d be fooling themselves to ask, “What if?” Chicago finished more than six wins out of the playoffs. The Fire had losing streaks of three, four and five matches. There’s not a lot of depth in Chicago, but Gilberto, Mike Magee and Jeff Larentowicz were strong down the stretch, and there’s potential in Harrison Shipp and David Accam. The defense needs major upgrades, and Sean Johnson badly needs to find his game.